Rubella in hospital employees

Area of Science:

• * Public Health
• * Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• * Occupational Health

Background:

• * Rubella (German measles) outbreaks can pose risks in healthcare settings, particularly to vulnerable populations.
• * In early 1982, multiple Los Angeles County hospitals reported rubella cases among staff.
• * Limited data existed on rubella immunity and screening practices within these hospitals.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To investigate the extent of rubella infection among hospital employees in Los Angeles County.
• * To assess the prevalence of rubella screening and immunization policies in hospitals providing obstetrical services.
• * To inform public health recommendations for preventing rubella transmission in healthcare facilities.

Main Methods:

• * Retrospective analysis of reported rubella cases among hospital employees in Los Angeles County.
• * Serological testing of hospital employees to determine rubella antibody status.
• * Survey of hospitals offering obstetrical services regarding their rubella screening policies.

Main Results:

• * 56 rubella cases were identified among hospital employees, with 28 serologically confirmed.
• * 86% of tested employees (1,770 of 2,061) possessed detectable rubella antibodies.
• * Only 42% of surveyed hospitals had established rubella screening policies.

Conclusions:

• * Rubella outbreaks occurred in Los Angeles hospitals in 1982, highlighting potential gaps in employee immunity and screening.
• * The low adoption rate of rubella screening policies necessitates improved public health guidance.
• * Recommendations were issued to enhance hospital policies for rubella screening and immunization to prevent future outbreaks.